2016 Audi TT RS breaks cover

Audi’s RennSport skunkworks has finally treated the third-gen TT coupe and roadster models. And the upshot of that is a souped-up and more hardcore version of the sportscar, dubbed the TT RS.

Headlined by a turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder petrol engine, the new TT RS develops 395bhp and 480Nm – an increase of 40bhp and 15Nm over the previous-gen TT RS Plus. Paired to a 7-speed DSG auto, the RS coupe derivative of the sportscar will hit 0-100km/h in a mere 3.7 seconds – three-tenths faster than the older TT RS Plus. The roadster version, which is 90 kilograms heavier, will take 3.9 seconds to do the same. Top speeds of both the models is limited to 250km/h, although it can be raised to 280km/h, should you insist.

Power reserves from the engine are channeled to all four-wheels. Given its performance credentials, the new TT RS rides 10mm lower than the standard TT. Road holding characteristics are further improved by incorporating stiffer springs and dampers along with lighter 19-inch alloy wheels. 20-inch wheels and carbon ceramic brakes are optional.

On the outside, the new TT RS gets some minor tweaks to distinguish it from the regular models. This includes re-sculpted bumpers, enlarged air-inlets, optional Matrix LED lamps, oval exhaust pipes and a large fixed spoiler at the back. Optional OLED (organic light emitting diode) tail-lights are offered on the new TT RS models, which is a first for any Audi. Inside, the cabin is identical to the regular TT models, although it does get some RS treatment like contrast stitching, brushed aluminium inserts, and a special RS screen that displays information on tyre pressure, torque and g-forces.

Considering the improvements, and the resulting performance gains, in the new Audi TT RS, it now comes across as a serious performance contender. Sales of the new Audi TT RS will begin starting October 2016 in European markets. The previous-gen Audi TT RS was never brought to India, and at the moment, it’s not confirmed if the new one will come here or not.